JOSH STRAUSS moved a step closer to becoming a Scotland player in the future by signing a fresh deal with Glasgow Warriors.

JOSH STRAUSS moved a step closer to becoming a Scotland player in the future by signing a fresh deal with Glasgow Warriors.

The South African-born breakaway forward will stay with the Warriors until mid-2017 at the earliest. The deal can boost his hopes of making a big-stage debut in a dark blue jersey in next year's World Cup as the start of the tournament in England in September coincides with the qualification date for his adopted country on residency grounds.

In a further boost for Gregor Townsend's side ahead of the European Champions Cup clashes with Toulouse, the Fijian lock Leone Nakarawa has also signed on for 2-half more years.

Strauss, who arrived in Scotland in 2012, said: "I've learnt a lot working with the players and coaches at Scotstoun; it was a good decision to move from South Africa.

"I've enjoyed the last three years at the club and I really like the group of players that are here.

"I've developed playing in the PRO12 and on the Euro scene and I'm happy to be staying.

"I'm ambitious and I want to win trophies and I believe I have the best chance of doing that at the Warriors."

Nakarawa, who has 24 caps for Fiji, added: "Signing my first professional contract with Glasgow was a big move for me. I'm also really enjoying playing for the club and I'm very happy living in the city.

"We have excellent players and coaches at Scotstoun and I believe I can continue to improve working with them. The supporters have been great with me since I joined and I'm delighted to be staying."

Townsend said: "Josh and Leone have made a big impact since they joined us and it's a big boost for everyone at the club that they're staying.

"We really appreciate the continued backing from Scottish Rugby to make these deals possible.

"Leone has worked really hard in training to adapt to the 15-a-side game, having predominately played sevens before arriving in Glasgow and he's now a regular in the Fiji national squad.

"He has a wide variety of skills, which gives us something different and he's versatile, being able to play in the second-row and back-row.

"Josh is part of our leadership group and has captained the side. When he first came over he settled in really well and has adapted quickly to our style of play. "He will continue to have a big role to play at the club both on and off the pitch."

Connor Braid, the Canadian utility back, has agreed a permanent deal with London Scottish until the end of the season. The contract allows him to be loaned back to Warriors for a short period during the Six Nations.

Townsend said: "We're pleased that Connor will be able to get regular game-time down south. We're delighted that he will return when we need him and thanks to London Scottish for their support with this."

Braid added: "I've really enjoyed my three-month spell at Glasgow Warriors and was delighted to sign-off with a win on Sunday against the Dragons.

"I wish everyone at the club all the best for what is a really exciting few weeks ahead and I look forward to returning to help them.

"I am excited to be back in London having really enjoyed my four-week loan spell in October.

"It's a great set-up down here, with a young, energetic coaching team who are really ambitious and it's good to see the boys have continued their winning form over the past few weeks.

"We are sitting third in the Championship just now and hopefully I can play my part in helping the club stay in the top four."

Mike Friday, the London Scottish director, said: "We have built-up a strong relationship with the Warriors and this deal works for both clubs and most importantly Connor.

"His character and personality are perfect for the type of player we want in this squad and he was really impressive for us in October.

"Connor will add both pace and power to the backline and I'm excited to see how he goes for the rest of the season."

KELVIN MEDIA

David Kelso 07774 720047